Negotiations are continuing between employers and the union with the help of Canada’s Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union said Friday that an overwhelming 98.4 percent of its members in British Columbia voted in favor authorizing a strike, if necessary, against member companies of the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA).
The website Business in Vancouver reported Jeff Scott, chairman of the BCMEA’s board of directors, told it that dates for further negotiations are being scheduled through May.
Negotiations between the BCMEA and ILWU Canada on a contract to replace one that expired in March 2018 are continuing with the help of the Canada’s Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
The ILWU represents about 6,000 dockworkers throughout British Columbia including the major container ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert.